General Information About The Avocado Tree & Avocado Fruit

Latin Name : Persea americana

In India, it is called butter fruit or Makhanphal in Hindi.

The avocado tree is native to Central Mexico and belongs to the same family as cinnamon and bay laurel. Avocado is also known as alligator pear because its shape and the leather like appearance of the skin resembles an alligator's.

The tree grows to a height of about 60-65 feet and the avocado fruit can weigh from about 150 gms to over 1 kg. The fruit is a berry with a single seed.

Avocados have a green skin and the fruit matures on the tree but ripens once plucked. The ripe fruit has dark green or purple skin and cream colored flesh inside.

Commercial avocados are picked when hard and green but must be mature to ripen well. The fruit has great commercial value.

The wild variety of avocado is called Criollo and it is smaller and darker than the cultivated variety.

There are more the 80 varieties of avocados and they are available throughout the year. California and Florida are the two main avocado producing US states.

Avocado Milk Shake

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Avocado Sandwich

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Uses Of Avocado

As a provider of fats it is an excellent food for vegetarians and vegans as it provides a high amount of mono unsaturated fats, the much needed fat, which is very difficult to obtain from vegetable sources otherwise.

Avocado can be eaten raw as well as cooked for a short while. The reason it shouldn't be cooked for long as the skin is rendered inedible by prolonged heat.

Guacamole, a Mexican dip, has avocado as its base ingredient. Avocado can also be blended into milkshakes, desserts and ice cream. It is also used to make juice, puree, soups, salads and used in sandwiches and sushi.

Avocado can be used with eggs, hamburgers, hot dogs etc. When cut it turns brown in a short time because of oxidation. To prevent this, add lime or lemon juice to the peeled or cut pieces.

It is used in various ways in cuisines around the world. Avocado provides a creamy texture to the food it is added to.

Avocado Oil

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Avocado Oil

The oil is extracted from the fruit pulp and not from the seeds and is edible. It can be used as a cooking oil or added to other dishes or salads.

It is used in cosmetics because of its beneficial effects on the skin.

The oil is absorbed easily into the skin and relieves dryness & itching of eczema and psoriasis.

Benefits Of Avocado Oil

Avocado has about 76% fat that is mono unsaturated. in the form of oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, about 12% linoleic and alpha linoleic poly unsaturated fatty acids and about 12% palmitic and stearic saturated fats.

The betasitosterol content prevents prostrate enlargement in males and reduces it to some extent if the intake is fairly large as it inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Reduced DHT levels alleviate symptoms of prostrate enlargement and help to prevent future prostrate problems.

The high levels of Vitamin E lowers blood pressure, reduces risk of heart disease, alzheimer's, breast and prostate cancer and age related eye diseases like cataract and macular degeneration.

Avocado oil is very stable due to its much higher smoking point as compared to soya, canola, corn or olive oil. This is the reason it is also preferred for cooking.

Nutritional Value Of Avocado

Avocado provides about 20 essential nutrients. It mainly contains mono unsaturated fats like oleic and palmitoleic as also omega-6 poly unsaturated linoleic acid. Fat provides about 75% of the calories.

It has more potassium than bananas, is rich in Bcomplex and vitamins A, E and K.

The fiber content is high with 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber. The insoluble fiber cleans the bowels and prevents constipation. The soluble fiber keep one full and prevents over eating, delays hunger.It is extremely rich in iron, copper, magnesium, manganese and potassium. Along with a high tannin content it is extremely rich in many polyphenolic antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, carotenes and cryptoxanthin.

Avocado has a nutrient boosting effect. In effect this means that it enables the body to absorb more of alpha and beta carotene and lutein if the fruit is eaten with food.

The amazing and unique variety of carotenoids like the phytosterols, carotenoid antioxidants, the non carotenoid antioxidants, the omega-3 fatty acids and the PFA (poly hydroxylated fatty alcohols - these normally are present in very few land plants), provide unquestionable anti inflammatory benefits.

It an excellent blood sugar regulator and controls diabetes.

The low carbohydrate content and sugar, a low glycemic Index as well as a fairly high dietary fiber content makes this possible.

It provides anti cancer benefits too.

The anti inflammatory and anti oxidant nutrients provide this protection.

Avocado And Acne

Avocado controls and eliminates acne as it contains linoleic acid which is an anti inflammatory as well as it keeps the skin moisturized.The Vitamin E content is an anti oxidant and also benefits the skin health. It boosts immunity which aids in combating acne.The fiber cleanses the body well and removes toxins further helping in eliminating acne.

Avocado And Weight Loss

Though avocado is high in fat, 2/3rd of this is the heart healthy mono unsaturated fats which controls overeating as it suppresses appetite. Avocado also lowers cholesterol thus aiding weight loss especially from the belly.The high potassium content also prevents fluid retention and reducing body fat and also converting the consumed food into energy and encouraging muscle growth.The L-carnitine amino acid's primary function is to metabolize body fat. Thus it promotes fat loss and weight loss. The high fiber content needs more calories to digest and also keeps one fuller longer, thus further aiding weight loss.

How To Peel Off The Avocado Skin

Do not peel or slice away the dark green flesh of avocado just below the skin as this contains the heaviest concentration of carotenoids.

After cutting the avocado in 4 quarters, peel off the skin as you would peel a banana, by using the thumb and index finger.

This leaves the dark green outer layer of flesh, that is rich in these carotenoids, intact.

Avocado Allergy And Toxicity

Some people are allergic to its pollen while some to the latex in the fruit.

Pollen allergy may cause allergic lesions in the mouth and throat soon after avocado is eaten.

Symptoms due to latex allergy may manifest as abdominal pain, vomiting or generalised urticaria.

Avocado bark, leaves, skin, pit is toxic to animals like dogs, cats, goats, fish cattle, birds and horses. The bark and leaves contain a toxic compound persin. Consumption of avocado by these animals may also kill them.

Ripening avocados increase the enzymes that cause latex allergy. Organically produced avocado has less of these enzymes.

Omelet with Avocado, Bacon and Cheese.The omelete is a breakfast food made with eggs. A variety of omelettes exist throughout the world. Here is my favorite omelete recipe: The California Omelete. Enjoy!

Some of my other hubs on Healthy Foods

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Health Benefits Of Wheat grass And Wheatgrass JuiceWheat Grass therapy was pioneered by Dr. Ann Wigmore and is said to be a revolutionary therapy in many deadly diseases, like cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, leprosy etc. To know more about this therapy, read on....

Ros Stiles, thanks for reading & appreciating the article. I hope you start writing again soon. Sorry I do not have any research on avocado for abdominal weight loss. Thanks for stopping by.

Ros Stiles 2 years agofrom Adelaide, Australia

What a very in depth article and so very well written. Makes me want to start up writing again after a long break. Do you have the research for abdominal weight loss? I was actually researching deep adominal weight loss due to advocado when I came across your page.

MyMastiffPupies, like the saying goes, its never too late. Let me know how the smoothie goes. Thanks for dropping by.

MyMastiffPuppies 2 years ago

I had tried avacados many years ago and just thought they were slimey and bitter. Wtih encouragement from my son I tried them again about 10 years ago and think now about all the years I missed out on this awesome fruit! It is now a staple when I go to the store. I have not tried adding them to a smoothie though... so that will be my next venture. Thanks for sharing and I voted up across the board!

j.k.singal 3 years ago

we are in india and don't get avacados here. please suggest any indian fruit subsitute. Regards

Oh I LOVE avocados! My neighbor in California had a huge avocado tree in their backyard and we always were passing avocados and lemons back and forth over the wall (we had a lemon tree that was unusually fruitful and sweet).

I put them in sandwiches too! Just avocados, mayo, cheese, and LOTS of pepper for me!

carol stanley 5 years agofrom Arizona

I decided to reread this. Great hub and am going to pin and share all around.

dragonflyfla, thanks for adding to the info here. Good to know you have a regular and wide choice in avocados which you benefit from.

Appreciate your sparing time to visit and comment. Thanks.

dragonflyfla 5 years agofrom South Florida

I also love avocados. I live in an area where they are always available (local and non-local varieties) and as a vegetarian I eat them often. One benefit that I have come across, but do not see mentioned very often is that the avocado is a complete protien like the egg. These are the only two food items I am aware that are naturally complete proteins. Voted you up and useful.

Thanks for letting us know one more way to use avocado. Appreciate your visit and comments Marissa.

M Carnahan 5 years agofrom Nevada

Great hub! I love avocados. What I usually do with this is toast a slice of whole grain bread, lay about 5 slices of avocado on it, drizzle some olive oil, and add some salt and fresh cracked pepper! So delicious.

So much good information here! I love avocados fresh or in guacamole. They're great in sandwiches too, and so good for you!

Voted you up and useful! Will share . . .

Brenda Trott, M.Ed 5 years agofrom Houston, TX

Avocados are the only fruit I actually eat. I pay extra at restaurants for them to not ruin it by making it into guacamole..sliced is just fine! I never tried peeling them before so I may have been missing out on some valuable nutrients! Thanks for the lessons!

Hi Marlene, Well I do hope cooking avocado works for you. I'd certainly like to have your feedback on this. Thanks for the visit.

Marlene Bertrand 5 years agofrom USA

Your article about avocados is packed with valuable information. I am one who has a latex allergy and have not been able to eat avocados for a very long time. I'm missing out on some valuable benefits here. It was good for me to read that cooking avocados deactivates the enzymes associated with allergies. I am going to be brave and cook an avocado to see what happens. I'm crossing my fingers that it works for me. I have faith that it will. Thanks so much for all of your information.

@ Londonlady - I'm glad I could motivate you enough to try out avocado soon. Thanks for the vote and visit.

@ owhorspecial - You can share it by all means and thank you so much for everything.

@ Sam - Glad to have your positive feedback. Appreciate your visit.

Sam Graham 5 years agofrom Australia

Great hub. It has reminded me to eat them a bit more often.

owhorspecial 5 years agofrom Nigeria.

Hey Rajan ... I love the information, permission to share on my hub?

Laura Writes 5 years ago

You know...I've read so much about avocado and heard about it in so many places, but I just realized I've never even seen an avocado in real life (except in tiny slices in my salad). Great hub! I have to get my hands on one of these soon! Voted up

Shelley Watson 5 years ago

Love avocado Rajan, and this has just added to my enjoyment. Fascinating article, thank you. Up, interesting, useful and beautiful.

Hi Brandon, thanks for your honest feedback. I do hope however you get over your aversion to this healthy food in as much as to allow you to consume it on a regular basis.

Thanks for stopping by.

Brandon Carr 5 years agofrom Seymour, CT

Very intriguing stuff. If I'm being honest, I've never tried avocado. Something about it is very off-putting for me. I know that's not a good way of thinking. Maybe this hub will push me over the edge!

Wow Rajan! This is an incredible article. Avocados are such good tasting foods. It's great to learn about their nutritional value as well. Thank you for your information and very well written and organized hub.

Hyphenbird, I'm glad you found the hub interesting and the fries' recipes worth trying. I hope you like them. Thanks for visiting.

Brenda Barnes 5 years agofrom America-Broken But Still Beautiful

Rajan, I eat avocado almost every day. I knew it has great health benefits but you taught me even more. Then I saw those avocado fries at the bottom and fell in love. I will make some very soon like today! Thanks for inspiring us all to eat this healthy food.

Thanks TattooKitty, I'm glad you liked the article. Hope you like the fries. Thanks fro visiting.

TattooKitty 5 years agofrom Hawaii

What a wonderful and informative article about the delicious (and healthy) avocado! It is a wonderful food by itself, in sandwiches, in salads, in dips...in just about anything!! Think I'll have to give those avocado fries a try!!!

@ frogyfish - Glad you appreciate the value of the dark avocado flesh . Thanks for visiting and glad you like the information.

frogyfish 5 years agofrom Central United States of America

Strange that avocados are related to cinnamon. But I would also like to see your recipe for cooking avocado...thought the avocado fries interesting - have you eaten them? I usually peel my avocado inside a thin plastic sack with my fingers and will get more of that dark flesh you mentioned when I eat them. Great information here and thank you!

RTalloni 5 years agofrom the short journey

I was able to find two kinds for my friend, a small one from California and a markedly larger one from Florida. Comparing the tastes was fun for everyone because none of us were familiar with the one from Florida. The one from Florida has a brighter flavor and is a bit sweeter. We will now be using this food in more recipes and she now has a new food to add to her limited list. Thanks again for this good resource on the benefits of avocado.

I'm really glad this hub came at the the right time for you. Thanks for visiting.

RTalloni 5 years agofrom the short journey

Thanks for this look at avocados. My friend is coming to visit and she has a special health need for eating them. I wanted to serve her fresh avocado and this was helpful as I am not very familiar with this food.

Coffeegginmyrice, I'm sure those ice candies must be as tasty as they are healthy. Which of your hubs has it? Thanks for your feedback and your family back home is lucky to have an avocado tree at home. Appreciate the bookmark and the read.

Marites Mabugat-Simbajon 5 years agofrom Toronto, Ontario

rajan, thanks for this compilation about avocados. I love avocados and my pa in the Philippines has a tall avocado tree. Here in Canada, these avocados are just expensive for its small bulb size. My craving would just have to wait. I've made them into ice candies too in summer and it is showed in one of my hubs. I like to eat it cold blended with condensed milk. Useful hub and bookmarking it!

Thanks for reading and commenting, Your Cousins. I'm glad you found something useful.

Your Cousins 5 years agofrom Atlanta, GA

OOooh. I love avocado with black beans and mango salsa. I have been frustrated because the avocado turns dark so quickly after it is peeled, but thanks to your hub, I might buy them more often since I can sprinkle them with lemon juice to help maintain their color. Voted up and useful.

@ Eiddwen - I'm glad you found this useful. Thanks for visiting. Have a good day.

@ SommerDalton - Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a nice day.

@ L.L.Woodard - I'm glad you like this information. You could try finding the avocado oil in health food stores. Online, though, it is available.

I wish you the best in your quest for better health.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

L.L. Woodard 5 years agofrom Oklahoma City

I've just recently become a fan of the avocado, so was pleased to learn its many nutritional and health benefits. As a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic, I'm working to change my eating habits to follow the Mediterranean style diet.

Before reading this hub, I didn't know avocado oil existed. I'm certain I've never come across it in the grocery stores where I shop. Might it be something health food stores carry?

Great hub; voted up and shared gladly.

Sommer Dalton 5 years ago

Voted up and useful!! My husbands favorite food! I liked all the details about other ways to use, great hub!